Lets talk about .... Poor Equine Posture

Effects of poor posture on the horse

"Posture is the position in which the body held through the dynamic relationship of muscular and skeletal balance. Where the joints are correctly aligned so that every muscle is working correctly and effectively" not to be confused with conformation which cannot be changed it is determined by breed characteristics, genetics and skeletal structure.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲?

Incorrect posture leads to any alignment that deviates from the ideal. Brief moments of poor posture in isolation is not the problem, it is the culmative effect of chronic poor posture which leads to a detrimental effects on the soft tissues. See pictures for examples of poor posture There are many factors which contribute to poor posture are ... eg Pain, obesity, poor saddle fit, inappropriate training, poor hoof/dental care etc

𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

• Leads to misalignment of the spine, muscles and joints

• Unatural or uneven concussive forces on the skeletal system

• Alter muscle length and tone, making some muscles short and tight and others long and weak

• Neural pathways develop so overused muscles are habitually recruited and underused muscle weaken

• Muscular hypertrophy (overdevelopment) and/or muscular Atrophy (loss)

• Faulty movement patterns, muscular imbalance and altered joint kinematics

• Restriction in fascia limiting range of motion and altering postural positions

• Reduced blood circulation due to muscle tension - affecting metabolism, energy production, supply of oxygen to muscles, removal of waste (toxins and lactic acid

• Increased risk of muscle fatigue and soreness

• Can affect functioning of internal organs and digestive system

Soooo now you know more about poor posture ..... it's time to take a closer look and evaluate your horse. However, do not feel deflated if your horse is struggling with some of the elements which constitutes poor posture .... all is not lost and much can be done to support your horse and their posture!! Want to know how??

Stay tune for our next post?

What is good equine posture and how can it be achieved?

Cannot wait till then, please do message me with any questions or if you want chat about your horse's posture. Do not hesitate to contact me, love talking horses!!

Much Love

Equine Wellbeing Co.